Interstate 90 west of Interstate 35 closed at 2 p.m. Tuesday because of hazardous driving conditions, according to Minnesota Department of Transportation and Minnesota State Patrol officials.

The closure will remain until further notice and additional closures may be necessary. Motorists are advised not to travel until conditions improve.

The Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office has asked people not to travel on county highways until 6:30 a.m. Wednesday. County plows were pulled from the road at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Albert Lea and the surrounding area are under a blizzard warning through 6 a.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Winds could reach 25 to 30 mph with gusts of up to 45 mph. Wind and snow are expected to reduce visibilities to less than one quarter of a mile, creating whiteout conditions.

Total snow accumulation of 6 to 12 inches are expected. The highest snow amounts will be along the Interstate 90 corridor.

Snow fell fast in Albert Lea this morning as a winter storm moved into the area at about 8:15 a.m.

According to measurements taken at the Albert Lea Wastewater Treatment Plant, which monitors snowfall, there was between 3 and 4 inches of new snow as of 12:30 p.m.

Multiple reports of people getting stuck in snow were reported throughout the day.

Look to the Tribune for more information as it becomes available. Send us your weather photos at news@albertleatribune.com.

Some of the Tribune’s carriers have been unable to deliver today’s newspaper because of the inclement weather. If you do not receive a Tuesday paper, you will receive this newspaper on Wednesday.